"Roid Rage" and Civil Liability



Interesting civil case to watch in California, as former Raiders tight end Marcus Williams has sued former Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski for career-ending brain injuries resulting from an attack Romanowski inflicted on Williams during the Raiders' 2003 training camp. According to Williams--then a second-year player and special teams backup--Romanowski became enraged with the young player, and then ripped off Williams' helmet and punched him the face, breaking his left orbital bone, damaging his nose, chipping a tooth and, most significantly, triggering an eye injury that stems from damage to his brain. Williams hasn't played since, and is still suffering from complications. He is asking for $3.8 million in damages.



Part of Williams' argument is that Romanowski had "roid rage" and that led Romanowski to attack the young special teams player. As a result, Romanowski might have to testify as to whether he used steroids, and to what extent he did so. In addition, Williams' attorneys have requested information from the Raiders and the NFL concerning Romanowski's possible use of steriods. Notably, Romanowski has already appeared before a grand jury investigating BALCO.

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